Many years ago before I was married, I used to stop at the local Mediterranean restaurant and buy a pita bread stuffed full of chicken or lamb, salad vegetables and tahini for my lunch several times a week. This was very tasty and filling, quite healthy, definitely messy and fairly cheap. Sometimes I would stop in and have this same meal for my dinner after work as well. This was my first introduction to Mediterranean foods. My palate later expanded to falafel, tahini and hummus also in a pita bread. I also love shish kebabs and mediterranean vege salads. As I was doing research for this website, I came across an excellent online resource that has been teaching the "old ways" (or traditional culinary arts) since 1990. The website is called Oldways. The Oldways website was founded by an American named Dun Gifford. He was the insigator in introducing the Mediterranean diet to Americans, and expounding on the numerous benefits of this diet. I personally do not like the word "diet". It implies that we must go without something in order to lose weight. The word diet has become so attached with the action of "losing weight", that the word "diet" now has a very tainted reputation. The good news is that the Mediterranean Diet does not leave you hungry for more, and it does not require you to go without some essential food group. The Mediterranean Lifestyle has been in place around the Mediterranean Sea for more than 3000 years!!! It is actually quite easy to switch to a Mediterranean lifestyle. Most of the foods, spices and condiments are available in western countries. Here are some ideas for incorporating this “lifestyle” into your daily routine. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Have one glass of red wine with dinner. Otherwise just drink water. Use olive oil for cooking, instead of butter. No other oils are acceptable. Nuts are acceptable for snacks, but watch the portion sizes. Almonds, walnuts and pistachios are excellent. Eat more fish and poultry. Reduce red meat intake to only once or twice a month Test a variety of herbs and spices. You can spice the simplest of recipes up this way. Keep the pasta and breads to a minimum. Rice, Pilaf and Couscous are acceptable substitutes. Home |